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Clifton Crescent, FOLKESTONE, CT20 2EL

Mid 19th Century crescent overlooking The Leas

Folkestone had been a resort for the wealthy since Victorian times with large villas and hotels being built to take advantage of the magnificent sea views. People promenaded and took the sea air on The Leas, which was the most impressive and wealthy part of Folkestone. The Leas was designed in the mid 19th century by Decimus Burton, who also worked on buildings and gardens at London Zoo and Kew Gardens. There is still much of the air of a fashionable resort when on The Leas as seen here at Clifton Crescent. This is the eastern end of the crescent - see https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/5795746 for the whole crescent.

Folkestone had been a resort for the wealthy since Victorian times with large villas and hotels being built to take advantage of the magnificent sea views. People promenaded and took the sea air on The Leas, which was the most impressive and wealthy part of Folkestone. The Leas was designed in the mid 19th century by Decimus Burton, who also worked on buildings and gardens at London Zoo and Kew Gardens There is still much of the air of a fashionable resort when on The Leas. This view looks across to Clifton Crescent - see also https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/5795746

These white stucco villas are instantly reminiscent of the Regent's Park area of London and the similarity is not coincidental. They are all the work of Decimus Burton, one of the most fashionable architects of his day who had many high society connections. Burton had studied under John Nash, a partner of his father. Although born in London, he had connections with Kent - his father purchased land near Tonbridge on which he built Mabledon House - so it is unsurprising that he took an interest in the development of the coastal towns of Kent and Sussex as they became fashionable resorts. The result is very pleasing especially as these examples appear to be maintained in excellent condition.

Listed grade II (with number 1) the semi-detached house dates from the mid-19th century https://www.britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/101068897-1-and-3-clifton-crescent-folkestone#.WmYudv5LHcc For some reason the windows and front entrance have been boarded over.

Planning permission has been approved, with conditions, by Folkestone and Hythe District Council under application number Y18/0629/FH for the “change of use from care home to residential flats comprising 1 studio, 2, 1 bed flat and 8, 2 bed flats (11 total). Reconfiguration of internal layout, extend basement terrace area, repair facade, existing roof and dormers and replace all windows. This was Image in January 2018.

Mid 19th Century crescent overlooking The Leas

A street of houses now mainly small hotels, typical of the style of architecture in this area of Folkestone.

The white stucco villas designed by Decimus Burton make a fine sight in the June sunshine.